Best NetgearOrbi Router in 2021 (Reviews and Guide)

Here are the best performance, reliable, stable, fast, and ultra-fast NetgearOrbi routers on the market today.

If you are looking for a high-performance router system for your home that offers the best high-speed connections consistently, then Orbi by Netgear might be the best option for you to try. NetgearOrbi routers allow you to enjoy super-fast wireless internet speeds, high maximum throughputs, and overall high performance.

Since all the NetgearOrbi routers are mesh network systems, it means that you will enjoy blanket wireless internet coverage throughout your home. As a result of the setup of these wireless mesh systems, you no longer have to worry about dead zones, and because of the blanket coverage from the mesh system, these mesh routers are often ideal for use in small and even large spaces.

If you are looking for one of the best NetgearOrbi routers on the market today, you will be happy to note that we have compiled a shortlist that makes up some of the best NetgearOrbi routers for you.

Best NetgearOrbi Routers – Comparison Table

Best NetgearOrbi Routers
Best for
Price
NetgearOrbi RBK50 High-Performance AC3000 Tri-Band System
Best Overall Orbi Router
NETGEAR Orbi RBK852 Whole-Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System
Best WiFi 6 Ultimate Performance Orbi Router
NETGEAR Orbi RBK23 Tri-band Whole-Home Mesh WiFi System
Largest Home Coverage
NETGEAR Orbi RBK50V Voice Whole-Home Mesh WiFi System
Best High-Speed Router with Voice Support
NETGEAR Orbi RBK43 Whole-Home Mesh WiFi System 3-Pack
Best Whole-Home Orbi Mesh Router

 Reviews of the Best NetgearOrbi Routers

  1. NetgearOrbi RBK50 High-Performance AC3000 Tri-Band System – Best Overall Orbi Router

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Router & Extender Replacement Covers Up to 5,000 sq. ft., 2-Pack Includes 1 Router & 1 Satellite White
  • Ultra-performance Mesh WiFi network blankets every inch of your home in super fast and seamless WiFi...
  • Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering - 5,000 square feet of consistent coverage - with speeds up to...

This NetgearOrbi router is one of the best, fastest, and a high-performance mesh router on the market today, and even without the extra mesh extension, it still works great, and it allows you to enjoy seamless wireless connectivity throughout your home.

This RBK50 is an ideal router for larger spaces, it boasts an easy setup, and since it comes with a number of LAN ports, you get to enjoy stable connectivity from wired Ethernet connections. It comes with three LAN Gigabit ports, and one USB 2.0 port,

It is a tri-band AC WiFi system that offers a blanket wireless internet system for you home, and you won’t have to worry about buying an access point or a range extender because of this router’s mesh system, which allows you to enjoy complete internet coverage throughout your home. Wireless coverage from this mesh system is enhanced by the router’s six internal antennas, which also deliver strong wireless signals. It delivers high theoretical speeds of 3000Mbps, with speeds of 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 866Mbps on the 5GHz band. Note that this Orbi router doesn’t have two 5GHz bands, but instead, its third band is the dedicated backhaul band set up specifically for communications between the main router and the satellite node, hence the best performance of the router. The backhaul band offers speeds of 1733Mbps.

The other feature that boosts the performance of this Orbi router is the impressive MU-MIMO technology allowing for simultaneous data streaming.

You will be happy to note that the router comes as a 2-unit mesh system with the primary router and the satellite node, both featuring a somewhat squashed cylindrical shape. Both units offer coverage of about 4000sq ft.

It is easy to use thanks to the web-based management console that allows you to check the status of your network connection, parental controls, and you also get to control the number of devices connected.

Pros

  • Easy installation and network management
  • Fast maximum throughput
  • Reliable, stable performance
  • Easy configuration
  • MU-MIMO techn
  • ology for simultaneous multi-device usage

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Expensive
  • The functionality of the USB port is limited

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  1. NETGEAR Orbi RBK852 Whole-Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System – Best WiFi 6 Ultimate Performance Orbi Router

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK852) – Router with 1 Satellite Extender | Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft., 100 Devices | AX6000 (Up to 6Gbps) , White
  • Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. and for up to 100 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each...
  • Ultrafast AX6000 gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and...

For a seamless home WiFi system that works well for spaces up to 5,000sq ft, you might want to invest in this high-performance WiFi 6 router that comes with only one satellite unit. It is powerful, and it’s ideal for heavy online gaming and 4K and 8K UHD streaming simultaneously on multiple screens, without any interruptions.

The use of the WiFi 6 system enhances the power and the performance of this mesh system, and the best part has to be the large capacity that allows the router to easily offer support for a maximum of 100 devices. The features of the router also allow for the large range from the router, and your devices will be connected, from your front door all the way to the backyard, with no dead spots in between. Its tri-band system features a dedicated quad-stream backhaul system for WiFi 6, a setup that allows for a maximum of 4 streams of data on each of the bands. The quad-band system is one of the reasons for the high-speed performance of this router.

The other reason for the top speeds of this router is the gigabit design and the multi-gigabit speeds-ready setup from the 2.5Gbps Ethernet port. Besides this dedicated port, this router also allows for port aggregation, which means that you can combine two Gigabit Ethernet ports (WAN and LAN) for the ultra-high wireless speeds. The overall throughput you can expect from this router is 6Gbps. Then you have the 4 gigabit Ethernet ports which enable wired connection to your devices for even better performance.

The router is also easy to set up, manage, and use, allowing you to create a guest network, run speed tests, and to view all the connected devices. The security of this mesh system is also quite impressive, thanks to the Netgear Armor, which is the best-in-class network security system with reliable antivirus, as well as data protection support for the connected devices. You might also like it because it works with both the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Pros

  • High-speed performance up to 6000Mbps
  • Netgear Armor integration for the best level of network and devices’ security
  • Tri-band system with dedicated backhaul between the router and satellite node
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Wired Ethernet Gigabit ports from the 9 ports
  • MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies incorporated
  • Port aggregation
  • Ideal for gaming and streaming
  • 5000sq ft coverage and no dead spots

Cons

  • Expensive

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  1. NETGEAR Orbi RBK23 Tri-band Whole-Home Mesh WiFi System – Largest Home Coverage

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 2.2Gbps speed (RBK23) Router & Extender replacement covers up to 6,000 sq. ft., 3-pack includes 1 router & 2 satellites
  • Tri-band backhaul a dedicated band between your Orbi router and satellite frees up the other two bands...
  • Works with all internet providers replace your existing wi-fi router and extender separate modem or...

If you live in a large house and you are tired of internet dead spots, this Orbi RBK23 might be the answer to all your problems. It is a 3-pack unit with one main router and two satellite units, hence the 6,000sq.ft coverage.

The main reason for the top performance of this Orbi mesh system is the triband dedicated backhaul set up between the router and the satellite units. This backhaul frees up the two other bands, hence the high internet speeds of up to 2.2Gbps. You might also like it because it works with all the ISPs around, and also because of the advanced security features, including setup of parental control and advanced protection from cyber threats.

Its performance is enhanced by the integration of advanced features like MU-MIMO for reliable and simultaneous connectivity across multiple devices and Smart Connect, which allows you to have one SSID and password across devices.

Pros

  • Easy to use and manage
  • Reliable security features
  • High-speed performance
  • Great range and coverage
  • Maximum speeds of 2.2Gbps
  • Multi-device capability
  • Gigabit ports
  • MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies
  • Triband set up with a dedicated backhaul band between the router and the satellite units

Cons

  • Could use additional ports
  • Pricey

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  1. NETGEAR Orbi RBK50V Voice Whole-Home Mesh WiFi System – Best High-Speed Router with Voice Support

NETGEAR Orbi Voice Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (RBK50V) - Discontinued by Manufacturer
  • NO MORE DEAD ZONES: Whole home mesh WiFi coverage of up to 4,500 square feetand 25 plus devices; Mesh...
  • TRI BAND BACKHAUL: A dedicated band between your Orbi router and satellite frees up the other two bands...

This Orbi router could be the best router for you if you are looking for a high-speed router clocking a maximum throughput of 3Gbps, while also offering the best voice support. The built-in speaker works with Amazon Alexa and Harman Kardon. The audio quality from this router is impeccable.

It is a WiFi 5/ 802.11ac router, and it boasts the best performance capabilities thanks to the triband backhaul system that leaves the two other bands free for high-speed performance. It also offers wired connectivity form the Ethernet ports that offer super high wireless speeds. These features are the reason for the top-speed performance and speeds of 3Gbps, allowing for online gaming and seamless streaming.

Pros

  • Advanced security features thanks to Netgear Armor
  • Features parental controls
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Ethernet ports for enhanced performance
  • 3Gbps top speeds
  • Voice support via Amazon Alexa and Harman Kardon
  • Works with ISPs with plans up to 500Mbps

Cons

  • The sound could be better

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  1. NETGEAR Orbi RBK43 Whole-Home Mesh WiFi System 3-Pack – Best Whole-Home Orbi Mesh Router

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System – 3 Pack Router RBK43-200NAR (Renewed)
  • Creates a Mesh WiFi network that blankets your home in super fast, seamless WiFi room to room, wall to...
  • Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering with 6,000 square feet of consistent coverage at speeds up to...

Last on our list is this NETGEAR Orbi RBK43, a 3-pack wireless system with one router and two satellite units. Its setup encourages whole-home coverage, and you can look forward to the best wireless connectivity with no dead zones.

Some of the features that make this router one of the best options by Netgear include the fact that the mesh router system creates a complete mesh network system that blankets the entire spaces, and since it works with all ISPs, you can use it with your existing system with ease. Its maximum coverage is 6,000sq.ft.

It offers the best features for parental controls, and the built-in Netgear Armor enhances your devices’ and network security. It works with Alexa.

You can enjoy speeds of up to 2.2Gbps, and the four Ethernet Gigabit ports on the router enhance its performance and connectivity. There also are four high-performance and amplified antennas that boost the performance of this Orbi router.

Pros

  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
  • High-powered, amplified antennas
  • Easy setup and management from the app
  • Parental controls and guest network setup
  • Reliable triband setup
  • Large area coverage
  • NETGEAR Armor enhances system security

Cons

  • Few complaints about the signal dropping

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Buying guide for the Best NetgearOrbi Routers

We hardly get enough or even get to squeeze enough juice out of our wireless routers, and if you are one of the individuals who have been struggling to get most of your wireless router, now might be the best time for an upgrade to the mesh networking systems. The mesh networking systems have been designed to provide a high level of flexibility, and they are the perfect replacement for wireless routers.

Netgear is a leading brand of mesh networking solutions, and if you are looking for an excellent whole-home WiFi system that allows you to enjoy a larger coverage, high wireless internet speeds, along with a high level of reliability, the NetgearOrbi might be an ideal solution for you.

Whether you settle on one central wireless mesh access point that will send out omnidirectional and powerful signals or opt for one unit, the mesh system will allow you to have an incredible experience and connectivity, and the best part is that you won’t have to give up anything. Also, the setup of the mesh networking system is effective, and it supports multiple uses, including gaming and streaming, primarily because of the multi-node mesh setup. Collectively, the design features of the mesh system leave you with zero dead zones, hence the best use of your money and enjoyable browsing experience.

This guide is here help you understand why a mesh system is a great option and for guidance on how to pick the best mesh system.

What is a mesh networking system?

A mesh WiFi system refers to a wireless coverage network designed to blanket your entire home with wide wireless coverage. Think of this system as a hybrid of sorts, one that features a number of networking components, with the main router connecting to your modem along with a series of satellite nodes/ modules placed throughout your home for the best level of connectivity. The main node, along with the satellite nodes, are all a part of one wireless network, and they share an SSID plus password.

The high level of performance of the mesh systems is made possible by the fact that each of the nodes on the network serves as hop points for the other nodes within the mesh system. And thanks to this node network setup, it means that even the nodes placed farthest from the main router will be capable of delivering very strong WiFi signals through space. These nodes communicate with all other nodes, and none of them rely on one-on-one communications between each other and the router, hence the creation of an effective mesh system.

So, how do you determine the best NetgearOrbi system for your home?

Features to look out for in a NetgearOrbi Router?

Well, there are many options on the NetgearOrbi website today, which obviously means that you could be easily confused when it comes to choosing one Orbi mesh system over the others. However, you could easily avoid the confusion by weighing your needs against the features of the Orbi router.

As you look for one of the best Orbi WiFi systems on the market, it’s important to be aware of the fact that the NetgearOrbi mesh systems are not created equal, and some will offer better performance than others. For example, most of the NetgearOrbi routers feature the latest WiFi technologies, which is a guiding factor that leaves you with good performance systems, ultra-high performance systems, cable systems, and some of the Orbi routers boast the strongest and the most reliable WiFi networks.

Some of the important considerations for you to keep in mind include:

  • The size of your household

Netgear offers a huge variety of Orbi routers, but what sets them apart is that you can choose different Orbi routers depending on the size of your home/ household. There are Orbi router options for apartments (1500sq ft), medium-sized homes (2500sq ft), large homes (4,500sq ft), and even large estates (at least 6,000sq ft). So, once you figure out the size of your space, it will be a lot easier for you to pick an ideal router.

  • Your needs

You can narrow down your choice of Orbi routers further by considering your needs. For example, would you want to create a smart home, hence the need for smart speakers or a router with capabilities/ support for Amazon Alexa? And if you are expanding your Orbi mesh ecosystem, would the new addition to your Orbi system work with Orbi Voice, that feature that works with Amazon Alexa?

  • Ethernet Ports

Most Orbi products feature at least one Ethernet port, hence advanced connectivity options. But you may need more than one Ethernet port, which means looking deeper into the options available on the market for you.

  • Outdoors Coverage

There are NetgearOrbi routers designed for outdoor use, and they are weather-resistant, meaning you can use them outside in any weather or even near the pool or any other water source.

  • Easy, App-based Network Management

One of the features that stands out from the NetgearOrbi routers is that the mesh system is quite easy to set up and manage, all thanks to the NetgearOrbi app, which works with all NetgearOrbi systems. The app is easy to install, and the new dashboard allows you to personalize your home WiFi system seamlessly. The setup will take minutes, and the best bit is that the app will work with all the major ISPs.

Besides setup and configuration, the Orbi app makes the Netgearorbi routers range a good option for anyone seeking more control over their networks. It allows for network and devices management, you can run speed tests easily, set up parental controls, and the security option on the dashboard allows you to easily protect all the connected devices from your smartphones and laptops to your security cameras and other smart home devices connected to the network.

  • Wireless Protocols

While some of the best Orbi routers run on the 802.11ac wireless standard, there are newer wireless standards, but the newest wireless standard is the 802.11ax or the WiFi 6 standard. Routers running on these two wireless protocols are advanced options and quite fast, and the best part is that you can enjoy gigabit speeds.

The 802.11ax standard offers high maximum throughput speeds reaching a maximum of 9.6Gbps, and you also get to enjoy a greater client/ devices capacity, reduced congestion on your network, and a larger range and performance. The Orbi routers on the WiFi 6 protocol will also offer the best network connectivity thanks to the OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) technologies that improve the router’s overall throughput, specifically by breaking the primary WiFi channels into sub-channels, hence a large capacity for clients.

  • Radio Bands

The best of the NetgearOrbi routers feature dual or tri-band radio frequencies, allowing for high-speed connectivity and reliable performance throughout. The mesh systems run on the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands, with most of the systems running on the 802.11ac wireless technology. Even without any additional features, this wireless standard and the dual-band system mean that you can still enjoy the best level of performance.

  • Advanced technological features

The best of Orbi routers offer support for MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technologies, which is a technological feature that allows for data streaming across multiple wireless devices that are compatible with your home network system in a simultaneous rather than the sequential model.

  • Dynamic QoS

This is the other feature present in the best of NetgearOrbi routers, and it allows for device prioritization, hence reduced congestion. The other technological feature added in the best of these routers is band steering, a feature that allows for the automatic selection and use of the radio band that is the least crowded.

  • Speed and Performance

Orbi routers promise high-speed internet and the best performance for streaming, surfing, or gaming, and you also get to enjoy a large capacity for devices. The dual and tri-band systems ensure high-speed connections.

You might also like the tri-band mesh systems because of the Fastlane3 technology, which ensures high-speed connectivity across devices. This patented technology comes in the form of a dedicated backhaul connection system, which ensures maximized internet speeds for 4K and 8K streaming, as well as multiple device connectivity.

FAQs

Which is the best Orbi wireless system for me?

Well, in addition to the reviewed routers above, Netgear helps you to easily find your router with the use of the Orbi Finder, a solution that will help you find the best system for your home easily.

Do I need a modem for my Orbi router?

Yes, you’ll need a modem because Orbi is designed to work with your existing modem or internet gateway. You could, however, opt for a modem-router system.

Will my Orbi router work with the existing ISPs?

Yes. Orbi routers are designed to work with all the major ISPs, including Spectrum, Xfinity, and Cox, among others.

Conclusion

These are the best NetgearOrbi routers/ mesh systems offering excellent coverage, connectivity speeds, and overall great performance.

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